SHORTS FROM THE SHELF features short serialized fiction by author Shannon Muir, administrator of SHANNON MUIR’S THE PULP AND MYSTERY SHELF, that may be later released as part of e-book or print collections. The story line featured over the next  fifteen days is “Beyond the Shining Stars”. This is part 9 of 15.

Two male figures stepped into what Sam realized to be stage lighting surrounding the light hanging over his head. Though their body builds made them look rough and tough, Sam soon realized in interacting with them these goons didn’t have it all together.

“You need to tell us what you know,” one said, pounding a fist into his other hand, and immediately responding in pain. Clearly he wasn’t experienced at this sort of thing, perhaps just simply a bad actor.

The other one, face partially obscured by a cap, shook his fist into Sam’s face. He spoke slowly and in a condescending tone, as if he thought Sam could not understand him.

“You heard him! Tell us what you know.”

“It would certainly help if I knew what information you were after,” Sam said, trying his best not to sound snarky. “I know a great deal about many things. The question is what do I know that might be useful to you.”

Then, a more familiar figure slinked into the light. This much more boyish figure belonged to the young security guard he’d seen at the gate.

“There’s only one thing you could know that would interest me,” the young man said. “Tell me where I can find my Randy.”